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Summer tourism reflects attitude of visitors, businesses

Events, such as this art fair at the Lincoln City Cultural Center last weekend, are designed to engage locals and attract visitors. (Jeremy C. Ruark / Lincoln County Leader)

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

Tourism is a main industry along the Oregon Coast, but spending surges depend on visitors’ and local businesses’ attitudes, according to those who keep track of the economic trends.

Newport Chamber of Commerce Executive

Director Wayne Patterson said initial tourism reports show an increase of

tourism revenue over last summer.

“Best visitor trend analysis we have is lodging taxes since everyone who stays at least one nigh there, must pay and the city tracks those lodging taxes,” he said.

“We will end up this last fiscal year with more tax income than any previous year in Newport. Hard to track retail including restaurants, but typically their revenue aligns with people here staying in hotels. Based

on what we have heard, sales were great!”

As to Patterson’s take on the economic impact of the city’s cancellation of retail fireworks in Newport, he stated:

“Living in Nye Beach last year was much quieter than this year with fireworks on the beach!

Nobody could understand the cancelation of fireworks, but the stands were open,” he said.

Overall, Patterson said the summer of 2025 is proving to be

an economic boost for Newport.

“Summer brings lots of families looking for a variety of things to do,” he said. “Beaches, hikes, lighthouses, boating, fishing, eating seafood, and many more are on the list of our visitors.”

Patterson said Newport’s main tourist attractions include the number one draw, the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

“Sea lions when in

Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative gets national exposure

JEREMY C. RUARK

Lincoln County Leader

Northwest Travel & Life magazine features the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative in the article entitled ‘Protected Places Exploring Biosphere Reserves throughout the Northwest.’

“We’re thrilled to see the Biosphere Region featured in Northwest Travel & Life,” Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative Staff Scientist and Project and Communication Manager Paul Robertson said.

“These places are stunning – not just for their natural beauty and biodiversity, but also for the communities and cultural traditions they support,” Northwest Travel & Life Chief Editorial Director Allan Cox writes in his Editor’s Note in the beginning of the magazine. “The idea behind a Biosphere Reserve is to find balance between people using the land and nature continuing to thrive.” Robertson said the magazine’s exposure is invaluable.

See BIOSPHERE, page A4

Each summer, community members and visitors join The Sand Art Contest, described as “a powerful tribute to the deep bond between our community and the Cascade Head Biosphere Region,” Duncan Berry, Co-Director of the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative said. “It reflects the pride we share as stewards of this land and our commitment to preserving it for future generations. The Sand Art Contest offers a fun and creative way to connect people to a deeper relationship with the living planet.” See more photos with this story at the Lincoln County Leader website. (Courtesy photos from the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative)

Originally designated in 1976, the newly reauthorized Cascade Head Biosphere Region includes the Salmon River and Estuary, the Cascade Head Marine Reserve, and much of the City of Lincoln City.

Lincoln County Health and Human Services Director has retired

JEREMY C. RUARK

Lincoln County Leader

A Tsunami Watch, followed by a Tsunami Advisory issued by the national Weather Service (NWS) July 29, were cancelled July 30

The Watch and Advisory was issued after a magnitude 8 8 earthquake occurred near the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, at approximately 4:25 p.m. July 29. During the event, Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urged residents and visitors along the Oregon Coast to use caution. Wave surges were expected to continue for several hours following the tsunami.

Small tsunami waves— the largest being between 1 to 2 feet in height— reached parts of the Oregon coast starting at around 11:50 p.m. on July 29

Although The OEM said this is not a major tsunami, hazardous conditions including dangerous currents and

strong wave action remained possible in coastal and harbor areas.

As of Wednesday afternoon, July 30, OEM said there had not been any major damages or injuries reported from local municipalities.

However, OEM continued to urge coast visitors to exercise caution as large debris washes ashore days after such an event. Even minor tsunami activity can pose a significant danger to people near the water.

Lincoln County bid farewell Friday, Aug. 1, to who officials call a dynamic leader who helmed the Department of Health and Human Services out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jayne Romero took the reins at the Department of Health and Human Services in late spring 2021, reunifying the department after two years of operation under dual directors. Her legacy includes emergence from the pandemic with an enhanced organizational structure, strong

County. She was again promoted in 2013, becoming human services administrator, and served in that role until 2018, when she moved to Lincoln County with her husband,

and

Harmful Algae Bloom health advisory issued for Eckman Lake

(OHA) has

While Eckman Lake remains open to the public, OHA warns that contact with water in areas where algae blooms are present could be harmful—especially to children and pets.

Avoid these activities in bloom areas:

Swimming

• Water skiing

• Power boating or anything creating excessive water spray

The algae produce toxins that are most dangerous when swallowed. They are not absorbed through the skin, but

people with skin sensitivities may develop a red, puffy rash. Inhaling water spray in bloom areas can also pose a risk.

Safe activities include:

• Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking Fishing with caution (see below)

Bird watching,

canoeing, kayaking

• Boating at low speeds (to reduce water spray)

Keep pets and children safe:

Children and pets are at higher risk for exposure because of their size and activity level. Keep pets out of the water and off the shoreline where algae

may collect and do not let them drink from or play in the lake.

Drinking water caution:

Do not drink water from Eckman Lake, even if it’s boiled or filtered.

Camping-style filters and boiling do not remove the toxins. Not all private treatment systems remove the toxin. If you’re unsure about the safety of campground drinking water or in-home water drawn from the lake, contact the campground or Lincoln County Public Health.

Fishing guidance:

Fish from bloom areas may carry toxins. OHA recommends not eating fish from Eckman Lake. If you choose to eat fish:

• Remove all fat, skin, and internal organs

• Rinse fillets with clean water before cooking or freezing

Know the symptoms:

Exposure to harmful algae can cause: Nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea

• Dizziness, numbness, tingling, or shortness of breath

Dogs may show signs such as:

• Weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, lethargy, or vomiting.

• Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet becomes ill after water exposure.

Stay informed and report concerns: If you or your pet experience symptoms after visiting Eckman Lake, contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian right away. For general questions or to report an illness, call the Oregon Health Authority at 1-877-290-6767 or visit OHA’s Harmful Algae Blooms website.

BOEM rescinds designated Wind Energy Areas

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced it is rescinding all designated Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), including proposed projects off the Oregon Coast.

“This action is being taken in accordance with Secretary’s Order (SO) 3437 - Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision-Making –and the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 – Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the OCS from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects,” the BOEM states in a release issued July 30

The proposed locations off the Oregon Coast included two lease areas totaling 194 995 acres — one in the Coos Bay Wind Energy Area and the other in the Brookings Wind Energy Area — which have the potential to power more than one million homes with clean, renewable energy.

WEAs were originally established to identify offshore locations deemed most suitable for wind energy development.

By rescinding WEAs, BOEM is ending the

Offshore wind turbines had been proposed for two areas off the southern Oregon Coast. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced July 30 it has rescinded the proposals. (Courtesy photo from NOAA)

federal practice of designating large areas of the OCS for speculative wind development and is de-designating over 3 5 million acres of unleased federal waters previously targeted for offshore wind development across the Gulf of America, Gulf of Maine, the New York Bight, California, Oregon, and the Central Atlantic, the release states.

The proposed wind development along the Oregon Coast has sparked opposition from state and local officials since the projects were first discussed in 2013

“I stand with my tribal friends, the bipartisan coastal caucus members of the legislature and especially my neighbors who live on the coast when we urged caution until there is further

understanding of the impacts of to the entire environment,” Oregon State Sen. Dick Anderson said when auctions for the two Oregon sites were announced in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Energy. “Sadly, this is a normal course of action for the federal government, who just provides lip service to all of us versus actually listening to us. My office is engaged in doing whatever we can to slow the process down before there is no turning back.”

State Rep. David Gomberg told KOIN Portland that the Oregon Caucus cannot support future wind development steps off the Oregon coast by BOEM until Oregon develops its Offshore Wind Road Map.

“The federal

government owes the people of the Oregon coast the due diligence required to ensure that these turbines won’t disrupt both our coastal economy and its ecology,” Gomberg told KOIN. “The Coastal Caucus stands in firm opposition to lease auctions at this time.”

The Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians said the acreage in the proposal is within the tribe’s ancestral territory and are important areas for tribal fishing.

“The tribe has consistently urged that BOEM delay moving forward with wind energy development until a better understanding is made of the impacts to fish, wildlife, the marine environment, and cultural resources important to

the tribe,” Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper said in a release. “No one, including BOEM, has an understanding on how wind development will impact the fragile marine environment.”

Amid mounting opposition to offshore wind development off the coast of Oregon, the federal government announced Friday, Sept. 27 2024, it was delaying the planned auction for the development of two wind energy sites as Gov. Tina Kotek urged the federal agency to halt all leasing plans and stop the auction, according to an Oregon Capital Chronicle report.

“The developments call into question the potential for future development of offshore wind energy off the Oregon coast. The state’s coastal communities, seafood industry and tribes fiercely opposed the federal agency’s plans, which concerned the governor,” the Oregon Capital Chronicle report stated.

Gomberg gave this reaction to the Lincoln County leader following the BOEM announcement July 30 to rescind the projects:

“I’m not surprised by BOEM’s decision,” he said. “Between the failed lease auction to secure developers in 2023 and the Trump Administration’s vocal opposition to offshore wind energy, this decision was a foregone conclusion.”

‘Shred Day’ to be held Sept. 6 in Newport

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) will host a “Shred Day” at the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot, located at 225 W. Olive Street in Newport, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sept. 6

“The event is an effort to combat identity theft and financial fraud for our citizens and assist them in protecting their personal privacy,” a release from the LCSO states.

Shred Day is a free event open to the public. The LCSO states that the event is not intended for significant amounts of shredding for private businesses or other government entities.

“Feel free to bring your paper documents, files, canceled checks, or

any other document that contains your personal or sensitive information,” the release advises. “We also accept CDs and DVDs that contain personal or sensitive information. The shredding is 100% secure and will be conducted by an iSecure truck on site.”

The LCSO said there is no limit to the amount of shredding that individuals may bring; however, once the truck is full, the shed crew will not be able to accept any more documents.

The LCSO said that shredding is one of the most important things you can do to prevent identity theft. Below are just a few examples of items you should shred and not place in your trash can.

Second Oregonian falls victim to Gold Bar Scheme

The Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) is issuing an urgent warning to Oregonians as reports of a sophisticated “gold bar scam” continue to climb in the Pacific Northwest.

In the latest case, an Oregon woman was defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars after scammers convinced her that her bank accounts were compromised and her money would only be safe if converted into gold.

This comes just weeks after another victim lost $600 000 in a nearly identical scheme in Eastern Oregon, while another person in the same county lost $60,000 involving silver bars—just two of countless cases under investigation across the country.

In almost all of these cases, the scammers impersonate financial institutions or government agencies, creating a sense of urgency and fear. Victims were told their money was at risk of being frozen or stolen, and that purchasing gold was the only way to protect their savings. Once the gold was handed over to a so-called “courier” for

safekeeping, the scammers vanished, according to Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield.

“These scams are cruel, calculated, and financially devastating,” Rayfield said. “If someone tells you to buy gold to keep your money safe, it’s a scam—full stop. No government agency, no bank, no tech support line will ever ask you to liquidate your assets into gold or cash and hand it over to a stranger. Hang up and report it to law enforcement.”

HOW THE GOLD BAR SCAM WORKS

Federal and state law enforcement agencies have documented a clear pattern in these schemes:

Initial Contact –Scammers reach out by phone, email, or text, often posing as a government agency, financial institution, or tech company.

False Emergency –They claim your financial accounts are compromised, frozen, or under investigation.

Asset Conversion –You are told to withdraw your money and convert it to gold or other valuables for “protection.”

Courier Collection – A courier arrives to pick up the gold, promising it will be stored safely. Disappearance – Once the gold is handed over, it—and the scammers— are gone. The ODOJ states in a release that no legitimate government agency or bank will ever: Ask you to buy gold or convert assets to protect them.

• Send a courier to your home to collect valuables.

• Pressure you to make urgent financial decisions on the spot.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS: Hang up immediately if you receive suspicious calls about your finances.

• Call local law enforcement

• Never share personal or financial information with strangers.

• Report suspected scams to the ODOJ Consumer Hotline at 1-877-8779392 or file a complaint at OregonConsumer. gov. File reports with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov

Child luring investigation leads to two arrests

In July, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) conducted online child luring investigations using decoy social media accounts as part of its ongoing commitment to proactive policing and the protection of vulnerable community members— especially children.

As part of the operation, deputies posed as underaged children on various social media platforms,” LCSO Detective Sergeant Jason Spano said. “During the investigation, they were contacted by adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters.”

On July 28 2025, a Lincoln County detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested 45-year-old Jimmy Smith, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.

While enroute back to Lincoln County with Smith in custody, deputies operating decoy accounts were contacted by 34-year-old Kyle Carter, of Sweet Home. Based on the nature of the interaction, probable cause was established for Carter’s arrest.

On July 29, 2025, Carter traveled to Lincoln County to meet with the decoy persona and was subsequently arrested, according to Spano. Carter was charged with

Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree.”

“These arrests underscore the effectiveness of proactive, targeted enforcement strategies designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online—before harm can occur,” Spano said. “The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.”

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity and maintain open, ongoing conversations about the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet, according to Spano.

“Through community awareness, education, and enforcement, we can work together to ensure a safer environment for all children,” he said.

town are a big draw on the bay. The new Trident Surf series coming in August, September and October - this is 3 contests over 3 months.

Nature preserves continue to bring tourists, fishing and whale watching, Bayfront is always happening, PAC is always busy, Hatfield for the science tourist, then all the events happening,” he said.

Newport attracts people from a wide regional area, according to Patterson.

“Fifty percent of the people who come and spend at least one night in Newport come from the Portland market.

Number 2 is Salem/ Eugene. Number 3 is Seattle. Number 4 is Southern Oregon. Number 5 is Bend and Boise squeaks in at Number 6,” he said.

“Average nights stayed vary from 2 2 to 2 8 nights, with ages are all over the map. The highest income earners are from Seattle. Markets by city are derived from TV Station broadcast areas and data is from geofencing contract.”

DRONE SHOW REPLACES FIREWORKS IN LINCOLN CITY

Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lori Arce-Torres

BIOSPHERE

From Page B1

said summer tourism in her city reflected the cancellation of the traditional Fourth of July fireworks at Siletz Bay in favor of a more environmentally safe drone display.

“With the July Fourth holiday falling on a Friday this year, it created a natural three-day weekend that encouraged more overnight stays and longer visits; however, the weekend appeared to fall short of last year’s numbers,” she said.

Arce-Torres said one business operator, Nicole Peterson, owner of Lincoln City Gifts and Lincoln City Ceramics, shared that their businesses were down over 19% compared to last year.

“She also heard from customers how disappointed they were in the Drone Show, with some saying they will not be coming back to celebrate their Fourth of July if the show continues,” AreTorres said. “The many visitors that I’ve heard from were curious about the new Drone Show and wanted to be a part of it, however, after watching the show they feel that it missed the mark. Fireworks are deeply tied to patriotism and the spirit of celebrating America. The transition from the traditional fireworks to the Drone Show at Siletz Bay generated a lot of passionate discussion.” she said. While the drone show

“It helps raise awareness not just about the unique ecological value of the Biosphere, but also about the innovative programs connecting people to place—from immersive science education in the estuary to community events that blend art and environmental stewardship,” he said. “By reaching new audiences, especially visitors and

was intended to be a modern, environmentally friendly alternative, several attendees reached out to the Lincoln City Chamber to voice their disappointment, plus they took to social media to express their views, saying the show lacked excitement, sound, and the patriotic tradition they associate with a Fourth of July celebration, according to Arce-Torres.

“While some people appreciated the quieter, pet-friendly, and eco-conscious alternative, the overwhelming sentiment from attendees was one of disappointment,” ArceTorres explained. “People described the show as “underwhelming,” and “not what they came for.” Additionally, there was significant frustration from longtime visitors and locals who discovered all too late that they couldn’t see the drone show from their chosen firework viewing spot. It’s clear that while people understand and even support the environmental reasoning behind the change, fireworks hold a strong place in people’s hearts. While drones offer a modern, eco-conscious alternative, for many, they have not captured the same emotional connection.”

Arce-Torres noted that the Fourth of July weekend in Lincoln City was full of activities beyond the drone show.

families, we can inspire broader participation and deepen understanding of why this place matters.”

According to Robertson, he and the Cascade Head Biosphere team are continually surprised by the interconnections.

“One of the biggest draws was the Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo at Chinook Winds Casino Resort,” she said. “This new event brought in a steady flow of families and visitors. The fair’s live entertainment, classic rodeo event, food vendors, bouncy houses, and even camel rides, created a fun festive atmosphere that complimented the holiday weekend and provided something for all ages.”

EXPLORE

LINCOLN CITY

Kim Cooper Findling, director of Explore Lincon City, the Lincoln City tourism department, did not have specific occupancy figures for the July Fourth holiday weekend as of press time, but she said the numbers for 2025 through June have been up over 2024 occupancy numbers.

“This is great news for Lincoln City, as this is not true throughout Oregon or the nation, as visitors react to the economy and global uncertainty. However, while overnight lodging occupancy rates are up, we are hearing anecdotally that some local business revenue is down,”

Cooper Findling said, adding that the economic impact of the fireworks display cancellation and drone show addition was difficult to gauge.

“With so many other factors in play, from the

“What continues to amaze us is how interconnected everything is. The Cascade Head Biosphere Region isn’t just about protecting a landscape and/or seascape—it’s about nurturing relationships between people, place, and each other,” Robertson said. “We’ve also been inspired by the creativity of our community, from local artists to youth who bring fresh perspectives to conservation and resilience.”

Robertson added that the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative has a variety of events designed to engage families and children.

This summer, the team is continuing its Biosphere Beach Ambassador Program, which places naturalists on local beaches during low tides to share hands-on knowledge about tidepools and marine life. Also

DIRECTOR From Page A1

Charles, a psychiatrist with Samaritan Health Services in Newport.

She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science from the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

“I think from a young age, I always felt that I needed to make a living in a capacity that allowed me to be of service to others,” Romero said in a press release when she joined Lincoln County in 2021

Among her accomplishments during the last four years, Romero shrank the job vacancy rate in her department from 30% to 10%, bringing the total Health and Human Services workforce to about 180, the County’s largest department, according to an Aug. 4, 2025 release from Lincoln County.

“Under Romero’s

economy to global uncertainty to simultaneous changes in other local and regional events, it’s impossible to say for sure how this shift may have impacted business,” she said. “We noted a spike in interest in the drone show from visitors who would not have come for the fireworks show, including many visitors with pets, those who are sensitive to loud sounds, and those who salute efforts to protect the environment. We did notice that many businesses weren’t open at all or chose to close early on the 4th of July, which was unfortunate.”

According to Cooper Findling, the response to the drone show has been very positive.

“Feedback has run the gamut, but the majority appreciated the shift towards a healthier, quieter and more sustainable celebration,” she said.

Lincoln City was the first on the coast to host a drone show for the 4th of July. Cooper Findling said Explore Lincoln City was pleased to lead the way to such a celebration

“Without the negative effects of fireworks, which have historically released plastic, gun power, heavy metals like lead, copper, cadmium, titanium, and aluminum, and toxic chemicals into Siletz Bay, the Wildlife Refuge, the Taft District and Salishan Spit. These contaminants impact

offered is the Biosphere Exploriences again this year at Knight County Park. Look for kayaking events in August and September.

“We’re also continuing our Educational program this fall, which brings local students into the Salmon River estuary for place-based science learning,” he said. “The return of fall means the return of salmon; thus, we are focused on our 3rd to 4th grade curriculum.

WHAT STUDENTS GAIN

Deeper Salmon Lifecycle Insight: From spawning and migration to survival strategies, students learn how salmon fit into the broader watershed-to-ocean cycle.

Hands-On

Connection: Video journals and classroom activities reinforce learning, offering students opportunities to reflect and make personal connections.

leadership, the department brought in additional tens of millions of dollars in grants and outside funding. She oversaw the rebranding of the County’s Federally Qualified Health Center, formerly Lincoln Community Health, now Coastal Healthcare: Wellness for All, reflecting the clinics’ availability to community members of all income levels,” the release states.

Romero also saw the opening of an additional clinic location in Waldport.

Working closely with former Commissioner Kaety Jacobson, Romero led the creation of the Community Shelter and Resource Center, a winter shelter and resource navigation hub with locations in Lincoln City and Newport that finished its second season in May.

Hundreds of unhoused residents have found respite from the elements, and lives were almost certainly saved, considering there have

air quality, wildlife, waterways, soil and human health,” she said.

“Fireworks also disrupt pets, can upset veterans of war, increase fire risk and make it more difficult for police to enforce the fireworks regulations that exist in Lincoln City.

Explore Lincoln City has been hearing these concerns from citizens and elected officials for years, and we’re very pleased to have been able to make a positive change this year that has been so well received by so many.”

Cooper Findling added that the drone show and related celebration were funded by the Lincoln City transient lodging tax, which is paid by visitors on overnight stays in Lincoln City.

Explore Lincoln City reinvests those dollars into tourism initiatives and infrastructure like the Kite Festival, 4th of July celebration, community partnership funds, tourism assets, experiential programs and more, she noted.

Overall, besides the drone display, Cooper Findling said the Lincoln County Fair and Rodeo was temporarily relocated to Lincoln City this year and was held at Chinook Winds Casino Resort over the 4th of July weekend.

“Reports were that the event was well attended, and the Casino was busy during that time,” she said.

Empowered Stewardship: The curriculum emphasizes how students can care for their watershed and the salmon habitats that rely on it. This program is one part of the Cascade head Biosphere’s larger “Story of Life as Told by Water” educational suite, which also includes units like Exploring Nature’s Families and Raindrop to Sea. “The Cascade Head Biosphere Region is a model for how communities can come together to steward the land and sea for future generations,” Robertson said. “With strong local partnerships and a growing network of support, we’re working to ensure that this special place remains vibrant, resilient, and accessible to all.”

See more events and details at the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative website.

been no known deaths from exposure during the shelter’s two winters in operation, according to the release. And work that began under Romero’s direction will continue in her absence, including the pending completion of supportive housing for Behavioral Health clients, in partnership with the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, and the construction of new office space for department staff in Lincoln City.

“We’ve created a structure of leadership and a culture of collaboration between divisions that can keep the ship righted after I’m gone,” Romero said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and trust that many more successes lie ahead.”

Romero now plans to travel with her husband.

“Jayne’s leadership of our largest department has been exemplary,” Board of Commissioners Chair Claire Hall said. “She’s empowered her staff to accomplish great things.”

The politics of standing apart

RANDY STAPILUS

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Here are some recent headlines from a Substack column by an Oregon elected official:

If You Think SNAP and Medicaid are for Freeloaders, You Might Be Talking About Me. This concerns the broad social benefits of those programs and the help they gave him as a recipient.

The Walkout Cult Isn’t Defending Liberty—It’s Burning It Down. The column was a thoughtful, more than angry, takedown of the efforts in recent years by Republican state legislators to deprive the Legislature of a working quorum.

We the People… Unless You’re the Wrong People. The writer considers the discussion about constitutional rights applying to people who are in the country illegally, and concluding that they do and should.

A legislator of either major party might be pilloried for this one: Elected Officials Don’t Swear Loyalty to Their Party. The twist is who wrote them: A Republican state legislator, albeit one whose recall is being sought by members of his own party.

He is Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook, and he said his columns, striking as they are coming from a 2025 Republican, are intended less to stake out an ideological position than to foster a broader conversation, a discussion about ideas that extends beyond bumper stickers and snarky memes and slogans. “We try to cram everything into 30-second sound bites,” he said, and actual communication calls for more than that.

While many elected officials nationally have focused increasingly on speaking to or with solely their base — when they do at all — Javadi has engaged with opposition in both parties, at length. He was driving through Tillamook recently and encountered a No Kings protest against the Trump administration. It was several hundred sign-carriers strong, and Javadi stopped to talk with the people there for close to an hour.

He wrote of it later: “Some people were surprised. Some didn’t know who I was. Some did, and weren’t thrilled. One man wouldn’t shake my hand. One woman cried (tears of joy). Another asked me about reproductive rights. Most said something along the lines of: ‘Thank you for being here. It means a lot.’” Is this approach — something many Americans say they want from their elected officials — exportable? And even for Javadi, is it politically sustainable?

A dentist by profession, Javadi differs from most Oregon legislators in that he represents a politically divided district. His 32nd House

District has a few more registered Democrats than Republicans, but more non-affiliated voters than either, and its votes for major offices have been closely contested in recent elections. He won the general election in 2022 with 51 2% of the vote, and in 2024 with 52 1%, both among the closest Oregon legislative races in those years.

In his successful race in 2022, Javadi’s enthusiastic backers included Katrina Nelson, who commended him as “coming into this national battle for freedom with an open mind and an open heart.”

This year, the Clatskanie resident is spearheading a recall drive against him, arguing in her petition, “First, he’s out of touch with the majority of his constituents as evidenced with his vote in favor of keeping porn in school forever, (SB1098). Second, he voted in favor of HR3 in support of recognizing black drag queens. Which does not reflect conservative moral order and values.And third, he has failed to clarify his position on the biggest tax increase in Oregon history HB2025.”

Javadi responded that the first two comments misrepresented the legislation in question, and he had no chance to vote on the third (the transportation funding bill).

But the tone of Nelson’s statement and the contrast with her earlier endorsement suggests a sea change in local Republican attitudes, and Javadi did acknowledge “I’m off the reservation at this point.”

Whether he’s “out of touch with a majority of his constituents,” as Nelson contends, is another matter. He probably has run afoul of many Republican organizations, but he may be on track with the majority of the registered voters in the district who are not Republican.

That may indicate he would fare well in a recall election, if it happens, and in the next general election, while the next primary — which could generate an in-party contest — could be competitive.

Javardi may have a strong asset even there, though.

“People can sniff out when you’re not being authentic,” he said.

That still may be harder to pull off in a district more heavily dominated by either major party. In a more competitive environment, it might be enough.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/31/ the-politics-of-standingapart/

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

BIRD LESSONS

I have a bird feeder in my garden.

Birds of all sizes and colors come to feast. Jays, juncos, sparrows, doves eat side by side. Sometimes there is a little spat over a particular nut or seed, but mostly there is peace and joy.

Should I stop feeding the birds because they are immigrants and I haven’t checked their papers?

All species, even humankind, have migrated from place to place – seeking food, shelter, a peaceful place to be. They contribute to the culture, the economics, the arts and beauty, the joy and knowledge we seek in life.

Laws and boundaries can be necessary, but they should never be used to take away the caring, compassion and love that is the most important part of our humanity and of our natural world.

In today’s world, I see more love

TSUNAMI

From Page A1

Strong, unpredictable currents can injure or sweep individuals into the ocean, according to the OEM.

THE EVENT

Lincoln City Police

Sgt. Erik Anderson said his agency had issued alerts to area residents and visitors to stay off the beaches following notifications from the National Weather Service during the Tsunami Watch and tsunami Alerts.

Despite the alerts, Anderson said LCPD had reports of people going to the beaches.

“There were some folks who went down there around midnight to watch for waves coming in,” he said. “We can only give people the best advise that we can, what they do with it as adults is there decision.”

Experts have warned the waves generated by tsunamis can be much more dangerous than regular ocean wave action.

“The tsunami waves are absolutely more dangers,”

and compassion and truth in the birds that come to my yard than in the human encounters I see on the news. The seagull shares his food with the crow and starling. The crow warns the other birds when there is danger nearby. Man has deemed himself to be the superior species, but at this moment I am ashamed to be the species I am.

Darleen Searcy Newport

MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD-VIEW

It is rare nowadays that anyone expresses a middle-of-the-road viewpoint, but I am doing just that. I understand the need for added ODOT funding and the need for better roads. I am also willing to pay the increased gas tax and DMV fees. However, that is with 3 provisions:

1) Electric vehicles must at least pay their fair share of costs

Anderson said. “If a tsunami were to make landfall, there would be a significant amount of water that could push up inland.”

Anderson said the LCPD was ready for any significant tsunami action, and the city was continuing to monitor the tsunami warning systems.

“We have the vehicles fueled up,” he said. “The administration is coordinating with local, county and state agencies and our city emergency coordinator. We’ll work with her and be ready for the next one.”

The Lincoln County Leader checked in with Lincoln City Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Cassidy Boyle, Newport Communications Representative John Fuller, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Executive Assistant Jess Palma for their insight into the event.

Lincoln County Leader: What specific actions did your agency take when the Tsunami Watch was issued.

Cassidy Boyle: We connected with our local,

for road maintenance because of the damage their heavy vehicles proportionally cause to roads. The $42/year increase should instead be $92 to equate to the added burden the gasoline auto drivers will pay.

2) There should be adequate audit and oversight of the added tax revenues to prevent the typical government waste.

3) Oregon has roads in more areas than just Portland. If a highway in Portland had the erosional issues Hwy 101 has near Beverly Beach, do you think they would fix it right or patch it year after year? The funds need to be distributed based on roadway miles, not skewed to the larger number of voters in Portland! If these provisions were to be met, I would wholeheartedly support the added taxes and fees.

Tony Martin Lincoln City

county and state partners to assess the situation and determine next steps, while staying informed through the night.

John Fuller: Our emergency management team immediately began working with Lincoln County and other regional officials to notify the community of the tsunami watch, the potential risks and dangers, and any steps they can take to stay prepared in case the risk level increased.

Jess Palma: The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team was activated at about 5:30 p.m., July 29 We quickly called back some team members that had left at the end of their shift and put additional staff on standby in case the situation escalated quickly. We continued to monitor developing information and put together public information and information for Lincoln County Cooperators.

Traditionally, during local events and disaster response, the Lincoln County communities do an incredible job coming

together. One piece of this puzzle is making sure responders and similar organizations have information about the situation, are communicating with each other, and have a good grasp on the action plan or activities already in motion. Our team continued to monitor the situation through the night and into the morning. During those initial phases of activation there are a lot of moving pieces. Team members are working on assessing developing informationwhich can change quickly, managing public information and notifications, making plans for possible evacuations and shelters or assembly points, and so much more. Cooperators throughout Lincoln County and the Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to our communities’ safety and wellbeing and that is reflected in our coordinated responses to events.

Lincoln County Leader: What type of wave action occurred along the beaches at

See TSUNAMI, page A7

We want to thank all of our sellers and buyers for making Us #1 on the Central Oregon Coast!

• Vicki A. Seyler

• Paul and Denise Heuberger

• Barbara J. Johnson

• Mauricio Rivas Munoz

• Merrie E. Postlewait

• Jade Bridgeview Rental Management LLC

• Craig M. Worchester

• Skye Hanson

• Kenneth L. Super

• Richard Lee Roper

• Danielle Ingalls

• Justin Peterson

• Barbara Algarin

• Anna Cherepanov

• Martha J. Karlin

• Shayla Orazio

• Michael J. Easton

• Robert Bomar

• Kenneth Ray Easton

• Geri Little Creek Trust

• William, William Mason, Jabs living

• Daphne City of Lincoln City

• Anna Cherepanov

• Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Richard Harris

• Mark L. Brady

• Susan Jean Wilson

• Reb Babcock

• Lana Gail Fowler

• David H. Karlen

• Jared Kenneth Matchniff

• Lino Hernandez

• Wanda Salter

• Craig M. Worchester

• Paul Uttke

• Lauren Burdick

• Connie I Bowles

• Denise C GoodwinVasquez

• Sharon White

• Michelle Hedman

• Doug Cuzco LLC

• Kimberly Downing

• Chad E. Davis

• Joshua Johnson

• Lira Stevenson

• Susan Benson

• Ann Confederated Tribes Siletz

BUYERS AND SELLERS

• Michael Harvey

• Wynn Merrill Trust

• Susana Munoz

• Jeremy and Lauren Lilwin

• Dena Nelson

• Ann Gilbert

• Asha K Triplett

• Leticia Mehrwein

• Larry K Olson

• Michael and Rosemary Mcbeth

• Ivan Cam Investments LLC

• Don E Jordan Trust

• Karen Benjamin

• Siddalee Cox

• Faye Ackeret

• Gary Robert Shevik

• Susan Scott

• Brian and Cathy Alves Living Trust

• Terry Roth

• Marsha Leaverton

• Larry K Olson

• Todd Stevenson

• Jered Lee and Catherine Fisher

• Mohsen Sharirli

• Ready2market LLC

• Damian Johnson

• Devon Mckinney

• Lori Joette Shumaker Living Trust

• Carrrie Perry Kealey

• Rick Miner

• Brian D. Parmeter

• Tony Haoqian Liu Rev. Trust Dated

• Linda Dinerstein

• Carl Brown

• Kimberly Brethauer

• Robin Jacobson The Family

• Fritz and Monika Hucke

• Christine Coceri

• Simon Molodih

• Patrice J. Parsons

• Jered Fisher

• Cyrus Flanders

• Vanita McConnell

• Jacqueline M Coursey

• Richard McClain

• Marie Parco

• Coy Miller

• Anne Voegtlin

• Simon Infinity Investment Group LLC

• Beth A. The Morris Family Trust

• Sherry Perucca

• David R. Bowman

• Anna S. Lee

• Carmen Keely

• Walter Bobkiewicz III

• June Coe

• Susan Phelps

• Kristin Reid

• Mark Florence

• Scott Estate of Spinak

• Gary Securance Holding LLC

• Cristi Stickrod

• Jeremiah Carlisle

• Frank Romero

• Richard Scholl

• Allison Dang

• Rachel Ladd

• Molly Johan Hanson

• Melinda Smith

• Tiffany Davidsaver

• Rudy Lachenmeier

• Cecelia Buggenhagen

• Jamie Mayo

• Krisitn Lade Codding

• Monica Slater

• Manuel Garcia Jaramillo

• Michael J. Vanloo

• David Lind

• Cary Moore David M. Dalton

• Beverly Davidson

• Thomas and Renee Eastman

• Christy Taylor

• Susan Anderson

• Elizabeth Roeter

• Christine J. Kurz

• Sandra Arvin

• Jeanette Krose

• Margarette Abeyta

• Renae R Graton

• Yolande Waters

• Dineva Bower

• Janice K Delameter

• Dalton Riley

• Rose Corrinne C. Williams Living

Lincoln City as a result of the tsunami?

Boyle: Very minimal, this event occurred during low tide.

Fuller : The largest wave we monitored in Newport through NOAA’s tsunami warning website was 0 6 feet (essentially 7 inches) at 4:23 a.m.

Lincoln County Leader: Have there been any reports of wave damage due to the tsunami impact?

Boyle, Fuller and Palma: We have had no reports of wave damage.

Lincoln County Leader: We have reports that some people actually went to the beach late last night to see the larger waves. What have you heard about that and why is it that people are drawn to such a potentially dangerous event?

Boyle: Often, people get curious in these kinds of situations and want to see it for themselves, but in any emergency, it is important to listen to local officials and stay away from impacted areas, not only for the public’s safety, but also for our first responders’ safety.

Fuller: We have had no reports of people on the beach or harbor.

Palma: During events such as wildfires, tsunamis, or evacuations some people choose to remain in, or travel to, the impacted area. First responders strongly advise against this not only for your own safety, but for the safety of other community members that may try to help you or are trying to evacuate. Traveling to areas that have been evacuated or are actively in a high-risk or dangerous situation also puts responders at risk if you need assistance or need to be rescued.

Lincoln County Leader: Was Lincoln City, Newport, and Lincoln County, ready for any major tsunami impact? If so, in what way?

Boyle: Yes, there are plans in place that are exercised yearly.

Fuller: The city has an emergency operations plan in the event of any emergency and works closely with other local and state agencies to stay coordinated on potential emergency situations and preparedness for them. We regularly host preparedness and awareness events and drills throughout the community to educate them on the types of emergencies that may happen in Newport, how to prepare in advance for such emergencies, and what to do in case an emergency scenario does happen in the city. A tsunami watch and advisory gives us real time experience, and allows us an opportunity to continue to evaluate our outreach and preparedness.

Emergency management personnel from around Lincoln County will be at National Night Out on August 5 from 5 – 8 pm at the Newport Recreation Center and surrounding parking lots. This is a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the types of emergencies that may happen on the coast, how we will keep them informed, and how they can be prepared.

Palma: There are some differences between a distant and local tsunami that impact responders’ ability to act. A distant tsunami, such as this one, is caused by an earthquake or other event not in our area. This means there is time for responders to get information, assess the situation, and get information out to impacted areas, including information on if they need to evacuate.

A local tsunami is caused by a local earthquake or event. With a local tsunami, the earthquake is the notification you need to evacuate to higher ground. There is not time for local responders to get information out to the affected areas. If you are ever on the Oregon Coast and feel the ground shake, evacuate to higher ground.

Many coastal communities, including Lincoln County, also have experience with distant

tsunamis so there have been improvements over the years such as public alerting systems, strong partnerships, community education/preparedness, and establishing some community caches. Responders continue to evaluate real responses, exercise (practice how we respond to events), and train so our communities are consistently working toward preparedness. Community members still need to take action to prepare themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. In major events help can be delayed days, weeks, or even longer. It is important to take time now to prepare for potential impacts to local services and resources.

Lincoln County Leader: Following this Tsunami Watch and Tsunami Advisory, what’s your message to local folks and visitors about being ready for such an event?

Boyle: This event serves as a great reminder to always have a go-bag ready, because you never know when an emergency will arise. Most importantly, locals and visitors should always stay alert for further updates and follow instructions of local officials.

Fuller: Create a plan and stay informed. There are a number of resources available on our website to help keep our community members prepared in the event of an emergency in Newport, and our emergency management team is available to come speak to your classroom, workplace, or your event to provide guidance, toolkits and materials on preparedness.

The Lincoln Alerts system is designed to send immediate and accurate notifications and updates on any emergency that may impact the area. We recommend registering with Lincoln Alerts with more than one contact method, making checklists, communicating with your neighbors and family members about the types of emergencies that may happen here on the coast, knowing local evacuation routes, and having emergency supplies such as food, water, and batteries ready.

Our motto is “Be Prepared, Not Scared.” Palma: Take a few minutes today to prepare yourself and your family or household for future events.

Stay updated with current information and alerts: National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/ Tsunami.gov: tsunami. gov/

Lincoln County Emergency Alerts and Information - Lincoln Alerts

Sign up for or update your existing account to receive messages directly: member.everbridge. net/892807736721689/new View sent messages and local alerts: member.everbridge. net/892807736721689/ notif

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Media ReleasesFlashAlert: flashalert.net/ id/LCSO

MAKE AN EMERGENCY PLAN

Review NVS Tsunami Evacuation Zones

Learn what tsunami evacuation zones your home, work, school, and other areas you frequent are in.

Learn the Tsunami Message definitions and appropriate actions.

Talk with family and friends about what you will do, including if you’re not together during an emergency.

Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or another location?

Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible.

Build an Emergency Kit

Create an emergency kit or update your existing one.

BACKGROUND

What Do Tsunami Alerts Mean?

Tsunami messages are issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center to alert local authorities and the public of potential danger. The Weather Service outlines four levels of tsunami alerts used in

the United States: Tsunami Warning –“Take Action” A tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or even days after the initial wave arrival.

Tsunami Advisory –“Take Action” A tsunami with the potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring. There may also be flooding in beach and harbor areas.

Tsunami Watch – “Be Prepared” A distant earthquake has occurred, and a tsunami is possible. People in coastal areas should stay alert and prepare to take action if conditions change.

Tsunami Information Statement – “Relax” An earthquake has occurred, but there is no threat, or it was very far away, and the potential threat is still being assessed. In most cases, no destructive tsunami is expected.

RESOURCES

For more information about earthquake and tsunami preparedness, visit Tsunami Safety at www. weather.gov/safety/tsunami

Sharon Bell Roberts “Red”

February 11, 1947 - January 15, 2025

In loving memory of Sharon Bell Roberts “Red” who is now dancing in the Great Hall of Heaven with her loving husband Thomas Ray Roberts

Sharon passed away on January 15, 2025, she was 77 years old. She was born February 11, 1947, in Eugene, OR to Walter Earl Bell and Amy Pauline Daniel (Bell). She had two sons Jason and Travis White.

Sharon and Tom Roberts were married on July 9, 1990, under the apple tree in front of their beloved home and a new beautiful family was formed with bonus children Shannon Roberts and Heather (Roberts) Adams.

William Ratliff

03/12/1952 - 07/05/2025

William Jay “Bill” Ratliff passed away at his residence on July 5th, 2025.

Born on March 12, 1952, Bill was 73 years old. Bill lived on the Alsea River just east of Tidewater, Oregon. He died of natural causes. His love of the outdoors came from our parents Donald E. Ratliff, Sr. and Maurine C. Ratliff, who predeceased him.

Our family loved fishing and hunting trips. Bill graduated from Corvallis High School in 1970 and Oregon State University (OSU) in 1975, majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife. He grew up in Salem, Oregon and moved to Corvallis for 7th grade, and OSU for college. This gave him access to the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains, both of which he loved. Bill was a highly skilled woodworker, and with brother Ken built several drift boats to enhance their fishing adventures. They spent a summer as commercial fishermen in a dory. In taking the dory to Newport for the first time, halfway there, Bill looked back and said “HEY!” Dad and Ken looked - there was no boat on the trailer! They quickly made a U- turn near Toledo and headed back with a large lump in their throats, fearing the worst. After one mile, nothing. Two miles, nothing. Three, four, five, six miles, nothing. Then at seven miles back, there is the boat on the road with only some scraping on the bottom runners! There was a line of parked pickups with onlookers scratching their heads. Embarrassed, they commenced with some help to load their boat back on the trailer. After graduating from college, Bill served a tour in the U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines, where brother Don visited him. Don remembers being ever so impressed, listening to Bill converse fluently with the locals in their native Tagalog language. They were a group of fishermen around a campfire, sharing a beverage, and it was clear from their camaraderie they loved and appreciated Bill, who had learned their language from the neighborhood children.

Bill worked twice with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) out of Newport, and between those stints spent several seasons in Oregon and Alaska commercial fishing and as a Foreign Fisheries Inspector on fishing vessels from around the world. Bill retired in 2024, and at his retirement ceremony received a “Keith Richards Award for Longevity in Fieldwork” for having “54,000 hours of outstanding field work and authentic tales from life in Oregon’s coast range.” Bill loved his work, which involved both attending the “trapper” (a fish trap on Tenmile Creek) and doing fish counts on the small streams of Oregon’s Coast Range. He told John that the ODFW would pay him to count the fish, and he gets his exercise too. He walked up these streams, and sometimes came out at a place where he had pre-positioned a bicycle and rode the bike back to his vehicle.

Bill is survived by his three brothers, John (Chris), Don Jr. (Marti), and Ken. Bill’s daughter is Kalyanii Kennedy, whose mother is Cecilia Kennedy. Kalyanii has been a nurse, is now a 4th year medical student at Western University, and is now doing clinical rotations at Good Samaritan Hospital, Corvallis. Bill’s grandson, David Kennedy is a junior at OSU, studying electrical engineering. Bill has been supportive and very proud of their accomplishments. Bill was a fan of OSU football and baseball; during the Beavers’ recent post season baseball play, he told John, “They have to do something about their errors.” He also supported the OSU Department of Fish and Wildlife in their mission through donations.

If you wish to donate in Bill’s name, do so to the OSU Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A Celebration of Life, August 17th, 2025, 1:00 PM at the Philomath Scout Lodge, 660 Clemens Mill Rd., Philomath, OR 97370.

Sharon grew up in Veneta, OR, where she graduated from Elmira High School and went on to graduate from Beautician School. She owned two salons “Fox &

Hare” and a pool hall chain called the Tricky Dicks.

Her many hobbies included hunting and fishing, water and snow skiing, painting and drawing and Rock hounding. She was a loving wife and mother and a doting grandmother. She was a beautiful soul and the life of the party!

Sharon is survived by her four children, Shannon Roberts, Jason White, Heather Adams and Travis

Please join us for a Celebration of life, 8/16/25, 12-3 p.m. 25192 E Broadway Ave, Veneta, OR 97487

“It is more blessed to give then to receive” Acts 20:35. “Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” Proverbs 31:31

July 17, 1949 – June 10, 2025

Patrick “Daddy Pat” Charles Darold passed away on June 10, 2025, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, at the age of 75.

Born on July 17, 1949, in Eugene, Oregon, and raised in Waldport, Oregon. Patrick deeply loved the oceans and forests he grew up around. A constant wanderer and explorer, his favorite place to be was outside, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Patrick was also an avid reader and writer, often expressing his love and emotions through the written word.

He spent major parts of his life in Eugene and Waldport, Oregon, and Palm Springs, California, before eventually settling in Eldora, Iowa, to be near his grandchildren. Patrick had a natural connection with children, whether through storytelling, playful teasing, or simply being present, he had a way of making kids feel seen and loved.

He was a proud graduate of the University of Oregon who, over the course of his life, developed a broad range of skills, talents, and experiences. He worked as a logger, construction worker, corrections officer, teacher, realtor, repo man, even had a brief stint as a hot dog vendor; he was an expert of many industries. He took great pride in his strong work ethic and instilled that same value in his children. He was hardworking, always ready with a good story to share and a lifetime of experiences to draw from.

Patrick was married twice, first to Peggy Medford, with whom he had two daughters and later to Dianna Turner, with whom he had a son and two daughters and Patrick proudly assumed the role of “Daddy Pat” to Dianna’s three daughters from a previous relationship.

Preceded in death by his mother, Mildred

A celebration of life will be held in Waldport, Saturday, August 9th, 1:00 pm at Robinson Park (1280 NE Broadway St, Waldport OR). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waldport Library Foundation:https://www. waldportlibraryfoundation.org. https:// drive.google.com/file/d/1MmS4hbxYoDJ3k zyzrtJMhXBmZIqdWWYV/view

Republicans cut money poured into rural Oregon under Biden-era programs

ALEX BAUMHARDT

Oregon Capital Chronicle

A Biden-era program to ensure 40% of new federal climate, housing, clean energy and clean water funding went to projects and programs in historically underserved communities led to major investments in rural Oregon and to tribes, a new study revealed.

But many of those investments are now being cut or scaled back in the federal tax and spending cut megabill Republicans passed in July.

Researchers at Portland State University and the nonprofit Seattle-based Northwest Environmental Justice Center analyzed federal spending patterns between 2010 and 2024 on 468 energy, environment and infrastructure programs across the country. Overall, federal agencies sent about $2 24 trillion to state and local governments, tribes and private companies, nonprofits, individuals and higher education institutions across the country for energy and environmental infrastructure programs from 2010 to 2024

The share of that money benefiting rural counties and economically distressed counties nationwide more than tripled in the last decade, the researchers found, and accelerated dramatically after former President Joe Biden issued an executive order creating the Justice40 Initiative to direct 40% of new federal climate and clean energy spending to underserved communities.

Historic investments in clean energy, infrastructure and environmental protection projects followed under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act that passed in 2022

“I would say that if you look at the change of proportional investment in rural communities and tribes over time, in particular the last couple years, what the federal programs were doing was working,” said Bobby Cochran, a senior

project manager at Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government and one of the co-authors of the report.

But in March, President Donald Trump terminated the Justice40 Initiative. And Lee Zeldin, head of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, cancelled more than a billion worth of grants related to environmental justice.

Of the more than 400 federal grant programs that researchers analyzed, Republicans cut or scaled back 30 of them that provided about half of all federal energy and environment money to Oregon in 2024

INVESTMENTS IN RURAL OREGON, TRIBES

In Oregon, investments in rural counties and economically distressed counties doubled between 2010 and 2024 Cochran and his team found. Tribes in Oregon received 20 times the amount in 2024 that they received in 2010

Funding for Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes increased from about $14 45 million in 2010 to more than $324 million by 2024

Of the more than $30 billion

from the federal government that flowed to Oregon energy and environment programs during between 2010 and 2024 about 20% — more than $6 billion — went to rural or economically distressed counties in Oregon.

Sherman, Gilliam, Wallowa, Benton and Baker counties received the most per capita federal energy and environmental protection funding through the Biden-era energy and investment programs.

Researchers also looked at how money flowed in each of the state’s congressional districts.

Northwest Oregon’s 1st Congressional District, represented by U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat, received the most federal funding for energy environment projects in 2024. Her district got nearly $700 million.

The 2nd Congressional District, repped by the state’s lone Republican congressman, Cliff Bentz, received the second highest proportion of federal funding for energy and environmental protection projects — more than $470 million. Bentz voted against

the Inflation Reduction and Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs acts, and voted to pass the recent Republican tax bill that rolls back funding spurred by those acts.

Nationally, slightly more money went to Democratic-led Congressional districts than Republican-led ones, but it was mostly even over the 10 years analyzed, Cochran said.

In 2024, about 57% of energy and environmental infrastructure investment was distributed to Democrat-held districts and 43% to Republican-held districts.

“It doesn’t appear that there’s anything political going on,” he said.

AMONG THE CUTS

Among the EPA grants cut by Zeldin was the one providing the funding for Cochran and his collaborators’ work, which also includes providing technical assistance to people, groups and governments applying for federal energy, infrastructure and environment grants in Oregon.

The five-year grant they received in 2023 was terminated by the EPA in May, and with it, $8 million in funding.

The reason? The work was “inconsistent with federal administration priorities,” Cochran said.

He said in one year, they had provided technical assistance statewide that helped bring in about $50 million to groups and local governments.

The study of where federal money is and has flowed, he said, was supposed to help them understand where people are succeeding in getting more federal dollars, and where they could use help from people like him.

“That’s why we started this,” he said. “To say, ‘Hey, is anybody getting left behind?’” https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/01/study-findsmoney-poured-into-rural-oregon-under-biden-era-programsrecently-cut-by-republicans/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

Engaging summer learning opportunities continue across LCSD

Lincoln County School District’s (LCSD) 2025 summer learning programs prove that education doesn’t need to take a vacation.

Through a $731,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Education and strong partnerships with community organizations, hundreds of students across the county are engaging in unique learning opportunities that blend academics with unforgettable adventures.

“We are again pleased to offer summer learning opportunities across Lincoln County School District,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Majalise Tolan said. “While providing instruction and reinforcing fundamental skills in reading, writing, and math are at the core of summer learning, the ability to provide field experiences, excursions, and

Health

multiple hands-on opportunities for students is exciting.”

At the elementary level, approximately 350 students in grades 1–6 are enrolled in programs that focus on reading, math, AVID STEM, and garden science. These programs continue successful offerings from previous years and provide students bwith engaging, hands-on learning that supports both academic growth and personal development.

Jumpstart Kindergarten is also back, serving 47 incoming kindergarteners in a revised half-day format designed to better meet the developmental needs of our youngest learners. This early learning experience focuses on building foundational literacy and social-emotional skills, easing the transition into school in the fall.

For middle and high school students, experiential learning takes center stage. About 180 students are participating in hands-on programs such as kayaking, surfing, glassblowing, zip-lining, tide pool exploration, and aeronautics. These opportunities not only combat summer learning loss but also spark curiosity, confidence, and a passion for lifelong nlearning.

Students in all grade levels benefit from structured academic support, meaningful peer connections, and daily meals.

Whether they’re growing in the classroom, the garden, or through outdoor exploration, LCSD students are making the most of every summer moment.

For more information, call the LCSD at 541-265-9211

Elementary students on a nature walk learn leaf identification during a recent summer school class. LCSD Summer Learning programming is offered for three weeks this summer. (Courtesy photo from the LCSO)

coverage enrollment grants awarded to support

Navigating health insurance options can be confusing and overwhelming.

To help Oregonians get the coverage they need, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is awarding more than $1 8 million in grants to 37 community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across the state, and in Lincoln County, for the 2025–2027 grant cycle.

These Marketplace partner grantees will offer free, expert help to people enrolling in health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov, especially those who don’t qualify for job-based coverage or public programs like the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare.

“This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians—regardless of income, location, or

language—have access to the coverage and care they need,” Marketplace Director Chiqui Flowers said. The Marketplace has partnered with community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across Oregon for many years to help people access health coverage through outreach and enrollment assistance. This support is made possible

through grant programs funded by a modest administrative fee paid by Marketplace plan carrier. TRUSTED LOCAL HELP FOR ALL OREGONIANS Grantees are selected for their strong community ties, ability to serve diverse and harder-toreach populations, and commitment to offering culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

Many offer support in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, and more. These partners will focus on helping people: Enroll during the next open enrollment period, which will run Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 15 2026; Understand their health insurance options and financial assistance; and

Drag Bingo at the Beach Club

Growing up in a family of artists, jewelry designer Anja Chavez was always surrounded by crafty materials and encouraged to experiment. Working with watercolors, acrylics, crayons, yarn, fabric as well as copper enameling were her earliest adventures, until her hands came in contact with beads. She remembers her Mom pouring all her beads into a bowl and stashing it away in a corner cabinet. Often she would grab the bowl and just let the beads run through her fingers – she was hooked.

As a young adult, Anja was drawn to long, dangling earrings with many fringes. However, she could not afford to buy any and so she decided to learn how to make them herself. In the 20 years since then, Anja has taken various classes, learned from

books, taught herself, and was inspired as well as encouraged by many beading friends.

Mostly she is attracted to geometric shapes and a large variety of colors. Symmetry plays a big role in her designs. Achieving the impression and the feeling of fluid motion created with beads is her daily challenge. Each piece is made with the intent to be an accent to the person wearing it and making that person feel special.

Even after 20 years, Anja’s passion for beads has not diminished. “There is not a day in my life, where I don’t feel excited that I “get” to bead,” she said. “It could be in the middle of the night when I have the greatest designs and ideas in my head.” she says.

Get ready for some fierce fun, laughter and unforgettable moments with Drag Bingo! Come for the bingo, stay for the glam. 21 and over only/$10 cover charge. Beach Club, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Beach Club, 2020 NE 22nd St., Lincoln City For more information, call 541-418-5468. (Courtesy photo)

Start your summer weekend with a pleasant bird-watching stroll.

Seven Capes Bird Alliance will offer a bird walk from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, on the Alder Island Loop Trail in the middle of Siletz

Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

This easy one-mile trail loops through riparian and wetland habitat along the Siletz River, highlighted by interpretive signage. We’ll look for resident and migratory

SILETZ BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

songbirds, watch for Great Blue Herons, and observe the Osprey nest with its growing chick.

Meet in the Alder Island trail parking lot just south of the Siletz

JAZZ to present intimate house concert of Frank Sinatra favorites and class French repertoire

Jazz will continue the 2025 Season in Lincoln City Sunday Aug. 10 with a concert hosted by Annie Averre and local homeowners Jim Minden and Carolyn Cole, presenting Heather Keizur with Steve Christofferson.

Heather Keizur (vocals) and Steve Christofferson (piano, melodica, vocals) stand out from the crowd in a refreshing and powerful way, delivering a combination of classic American and French jazz standards blended with strong chemistry and a joyful, swinging jazz sensibility. The playful communication between Heather and Steve speaks volumes about their 16-year partnership.

See JAZZ, page B2

Among the new faces at this year’s Siletz Bay Music Festival is that of 25-year-old Bulgarian classical guitarist Georgi “Jojo” Dimitrov, whose music will be heard at three of this year’s chamber concerts. He’ll also appear with the orchestra, with which he’ll be performing the iconic Rodrigo guitar concerto, “Concierto de Aranjuez,” a piece he first played to great acclaim at Madrid’s National Music Auditorium in 2022 Georgi was the firstever classical guitarist to perform at the prestigious Bach Fest Leipzig, where

This year the Siletz Bay Music Festival will feature new faces alongside many of the more familiar artists who have helped the series evolve over 13 seasons into the Central Oregon Coast’s premier cultural event. After a lengthy and painstaking search, Festival Artistic Director Mei-Ting Sun has engaged the fast-rising young conductor, Johann Stuckenbruck, to lead the Festival orchestra for a

Drawing new inspiration!

Lincoln City-based artist Stephanie Reitmeier’s pastel rendering of the Siletz Bay’s iconic four brothers rock formation can be seen on Siletz Bay Music Festival’s 2025 promotional materials, according to a Siletz Bay Music Festival Facebook post.

In describing this feature work, Reitmeier said she sought to convey the experience of listening to music through visuals, drawing inspiration from the golden hues of the Siletz Bay rocks.

“I emphasized these tones to develop the color palette, aiming for a vivid and lush appearance,” said the artist. “Generally, I find sunsets particularly

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14

Gala Opening Night featuring Mei-Ting Sun at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15

“Isn’t It Romantic” chamber music at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16

“Siletz Comes to Yaquina” at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center in Newport.

4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17

“Musical Tapas” at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug, 19

“A Musical Gift” at the Lincoln City Congregational Church.

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20

“Sweet & Spicy” at the Lincoln City Congregational Church.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21

MUSIC

From Page B1

two-concert program at Chinook Winds Casino Resort that will be the truly exciting finale to this year’s season.

Stuckenbruck will also be conducting a smaller ensemble in a free performance of the much-beloved Prokofiev classic, “Peter and the Wolf,” at Regatta Park Bandshell.

“I had the opportunity to see Johann conduct the Royal Opera in London,” says Mei- Ting, “and I

JAZZ

From Page B1

This Portland, Oregon duo has played many venues and festivals, including The PDX Jazz Festival, French Fest, Tula’s in Seattle, Frankie’s in Vancouver, BC, and Snug Harbor in New Orleans. Their many CDs, including the latest, I Remember You, showcase their impressive renditions of classic American and French songs.

This Lincoln City house concert will feature

inspiring because of their striking colors and the emotions they invoke. They serve as a poignant reminder that every conclusion marks a new start.”

The 2025 Siletz Bay Music Festival will offer 11 concerts at five venues in Lincoln City and Newport with an adventurous program of chamber, jazz and orchestral music performed by 52 artists who travel to the Oregon coast from locations around the world.

The 2025 Festival is scheduled from August 14-24, and includes a Gala Opening Night, chamber music, orchestral performances, and a free family concert.

“Welcome to the Club” at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22

Benefit Party & Awards at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

Free Family Concert at the Regatta Park Bandshell.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

“Night at the Symphony” with the Siletz Bay Music Festival Orchestra at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24

“Sounds of the Americas” with the Siletz Bay Music Festival Orchestra at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

For more information, call 541-2645828. To purchase tickets to the Siletz Bay Music Festival, visit www.siletzbaymusic. org

saw right away that he was very, very good. He’s extraordinarily talented and very personable, a perfect fit for our festival.”

Stuckenbruck, who has just been recruited to lead a symphony orchestra in Quebec, has received acclaim for his work with orchestras across Europe and North America and is fast establishing himself as an outstanding talent on the international stage. He has conducted regularly with the San Diego Symphony, Orchestre Symphonique de

well-known and beloved Frank Sinatra songs ranging from the sexy “Witchcraft” to the poignant “My Way,” paired with French songs, from classics (Piaf, Trenet) to modern (Pink Martini, Banda Magda), performed in Heather and Steve’s unique style.

This INHOUSE Concerts in Lincoln County will be offered from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

The INHOUSE Jazz atmosphere is informal; providing an opportunity for audiences to enjoy an

Montréal, the Romanian Radio Chamber Orchestra and has appeared with many, many others.

Stuckenbruck and the Festival Orchestra will be performing a popular (and ambitious) repertoire, including Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez,” the very challenging Richard Strauss orchestra suite, “Der Burger als Edelmann,” Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue,” Bernhard Herrmann’s deliciously spooky “Psycho Suite” and a new work, “The

intimate concert, free from the noise and distractions often associated with a restaurant or bar. There is no charge for these sessions, but a donation of $15 - $30 is suggested to compensate musicians.

Any funds collected beyond expenses are donated in support of local arts and education. The audience is encouraged to bring their own beverages and potluck treats.

All interested in attending should RSVP to Annie Averre aaverre@hotmail. com or 360-606-7136 for location and details prior to the concert. INHOUSE jazz is a proud member of The Folk Alliance International.

BIRD

Spirit of Columbia,” from Portland-based composer Nancy Ives.

Don’t miss seeing this rising young star as he makes his Siletz Bay Music Festival debut.

Siletz Bay Music Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon’s arts, humanities and heritage, and the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition. Other funding resources include generous grants from Explore Lincoln City, the Roundhouse Foundation, the Marie

DIMITROV

From Page B1

his interpretations of Bach’s music drew critical praise and received standing ovations. His Bach album on Naxos Records was recommended by MusicWeb International as “one of the best guitar recordings of music by J.S. Bach … representing excellent technical facility, refined musicianship, and deep understanding of the music.”

Many recordings by Georgi are available on Amazon music and his EP recording for dotGuitar, released in May2023, includes the first recording of “Corren

From Page B1

River bridge; please carpool if possible. This

event is sponsored by Explore Lincoln City’s Explorience program. All Seven Capes Bird Alliance outings are free, family-friendly, easy to

Lamfrom Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, the Sponenberg Memorial Trust, the Oregon Arts Commission, and Ronni Lacroute through the Oregon Community Foundation.

Festival Sponsors include: Beachcrest Brewing Company, Charlotte Lehto Insurance Agency, Edward Jones – Wendy C. Wilson, Financial Advisor, Lincoln City Gifts, Lincoln City Outlets, Oregon Coast

los Soles,” composed by the Argentinian composer Alex Nante, as well as work by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Georgi will be performing work by the latter composer at the August 19 free chamber concert at Lincoln City Congregational Church. He’ll also perform at this year’s “Musical Tapas” concert on August 17, and at the August 20 “Sweet and Spicy” concert, where he’ll be heard on the rarely performed “Grande Serenade en Potpouri” by late 18thand early 19th century composer Johann Hummel. According to festival Artistic Director Mei-Ting Sun, Georgi “Jojo” Dimitrov is truly a

moderately easy, and open to the public; no pre-registration or experience is required. Binoculars and guidebooks are provided. Outings are held rain or shine. Dress appropriately for coastal weather and muddy trails. Be sure to carry water. Look for the Seven Capes sign at the meeting site. For details and any cancellations, check our website (sevencapes.org) or Facebook

YAA

Bank, Northwest Natural, Pacific Power, Classic Pianos – Portland, Lincoln City Cultural Center, and Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Community partners include Taft K – 12 and Lincoln City Parks & Recreation. Media sponsor is Oregon Coast Today. Siletz Bay Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) notfor-profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. For more information and ticket details, see the Siletz Bay Music Festival Facebook page, or call 541-264-5828

rising star. The 2025 Siletz Bay Music Festival will offer 11 concerts at five venues in Lincoln City and Newport with an adventurous program of chamber, jazz and orchestral music performed by 52 artists who travel to the Oregon coast from locations around the world. The 2025 Festival is scheduled from August 14-24, and includes a Gala Opening Night, chamber music, orchestral performances, and a free family concert. For more information, call 541-264-5828. To purchase tickets to the Siletz Bay Music Festival, visit www. siletzbaymusic.org

(@sevencapesbirds).

Seven Capes Bird Alliance was founded as Audubon Society of Lincoln City in 2005. A nonprofit membership organization and chapter of the National Audubon Society, Seven Capes is active in education and advocacy for protection of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.

From Page B1

‘The Lost Story of Emmitt Till: The Universal Story’

Investigative journalist and co-anchor of NBC

News Chicago Marion Brooks will share her work on “The Lost Story of Emmett Till: The Universal Story,” at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Yachats Community Center, 441 Highway 101 N in Yachats. The powerful Emmy winning documentary Brooks and her colleagues produced is described as a

deeply moving presentation exploring the hidden history behind one of the most pivotal events in the American civil rights movement—the murder of Emmett Till—and why telling this story now is more important than ever. As the producer and author of the NBC docuseries The Lost Story of Emmett Till, Then and Now, Brooks offers a

behind-the-scenes look at how journalism, memory, and social justice intersect to illuminate the truth. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a powerful voice in contemporary storytelling and engage in an important conversation about history, legacy, and the power of truth.

A donation of $10 is suggested to attend the presentation.

Newport Aquatic Center annual facility maintenance closure Aug. 11-25

The Aquatic Center will reopen for regular operation at 6 am on Tuesday, Aug. 26 This closure allows facility personnel to maintain sanitary conditions and safety standards in the aquatic center, according to a release from the city of Newport. The lap pool will not be drained or refilled during this maintenance. For more information about this closure, contact

Supervisor Chloe Hubbard, or call the Newport Aquatic Center at 541-265-7770

Samaritan Evergreen Hospice to screen ‘New Rules for End of Life Care’

Samaritan Evergreen Hospice invites people with an interest in end-oflife care to attend a film screening and discussion from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital’s Building 8 conference room. Barbara Karnes, RN, recognized that caring for someone as they approach the end of their life is not the same as caring for someone who is going to get better. She created the multiaward- winning educational film, “New Rules for End of Life Care,” to provide guidance on caring for a loved one who is at the end of their life, whether they are at home, in a nursing home or a hospital.

Everyone is invited to attend the screening to gain valuable information that will help them better understand the dying process and the stages of death. The film is 30 minutes long and will be followed by a 30-minute discussion led by staff from Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. Building 8 is located behind Samaritan Lincoln

Lake Road, and parking is available in the center’s north parking lot. To reserve a seat for the film screening, send an email to Kelly Sautel

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PUBLIC NOTICES

LCL25-0352 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN In the Matter of the Estate of MICHAEL JAMES SMITH, Deceased. Case No. 25PB06496 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Corey Smith has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the personal representative at 1024 St. Joseph Ave., Los Altos, CA 94024, within four months after the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal represen-

tative, or the lawyer for the personal representative, Traci P. McDowall, PO Box 1987, Newport, OR 97365. DATED AND PUBLISHED ON August 6, 2025. /s/ Traci P. McDowall, Lawyer for Personal Representative. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Corey Smith, 1024 St. Joseph Ave., Los Altos, CA 94024, +1 (408) 921-4212. LAWYER FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Traci P. McDowall, OSB #184063, PO Box 1987, 380 SW 2nd St., Newport, OR 97365, T: (541) 272-5500, F: (541) 2657633, traci@yaquinalaw. com

LCL25-0353

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS No.: 180466 APN: R226493 Reference is made to that certain deed made by Joni McSpadden, A Single Person as Grantor to Quality Loan Service Corporation of Washing-

as Trustee, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration

Inc. as

nee for Home Point Financial Corporation its successors and assigns as Beneficiary, dated 05/05/2022, recorded 05/05/2022, in

expenses and any other costs or amounts you and the new owner agree on in exchange for your agreement to leave the premises in less than 30 or 60 days. You should speak with a lawyer to fully understand your rights before making any decisions regarding your tenancy. IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO TRY TO FORCE YOU TO LEAVE YOUR DWELLING UNIT WITHOUT FIRST GIVING YOU WRITTEN NOTICE AND GOING TO COURT TO EVICT YOU. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LAWYER. If you believe you need legal assistance, contact the Oregon State Bar and ask for the lawyer referral service. Contact information for the Oregon State Bar is included with this notice. If you do not have enough money to pay a lawyer and are otherwise eligible, you may be able to receive legal assistance for free. Information about whom to contact for free legal assistance is included with this notice. OREGON STATE BAR, 16037 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Road, Tigard Oregon 97224, Phone (503) 6200222, Toll-free 1-800452-8260 Website: http:// www.oregonlawhelp.org The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that we state the following: this is an attempt to collect, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If a discharge has been obtained by any party through bankruptcy proceedings: This shall not be construed to be an attempt to collect the outstanding indebtedness or hold you personally liable for the debt. This letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. NOTICE TO VETERANS If the recipient of this notice is a veteran of the armed forces, assistance may be available from

Lincoln County, Oregon, under instrument No. 2017-00611, and subsequently assigned or transferred by operation of law to Freedom Mortgage Corporation, covering the following described real property situated in the above-mentioned county and state: The land referred to in this Guarantee is situated in the County of Lincoln, State of Oregon, and is described as follows: Parcel I: Beginning at a point that is north 3358.6 feet and west 84.4 feet from the quarter section corner between Sections 5 and 8, Township 11 South, Range 10 West, Willamette Meridian, in Lincoln County, Oregon; thence north 378 feet; thence west 229 feet; thence south 378 feet; thence east 229 feet to the point of beginning: Except any portion which may lie in the public road. Excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to George Hyden, et ux by deed recorded September 11, 1986, in Microfilm Book 174, page 1365, Lincoln County Records. ALSO excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to Stacy S. Hyden, et ux by deed recorded January 31, 1990, in Microfilm Book 213, page 713, Lincoln County Records. ALSO excepting therefrom that portion lying south of the second parcel described in instrument, recorded January 31, 1990, in Book 213, page 713, Lincoln County Records. Parcel II: A tract of land in Section 5, Township 11 South, Range 10 West, of the Willamette Meridian Lincoln County, Oregon, described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron rod set on the East line of the old Upper Olalla County Road, that is South 1293.34 feet and West 1287.63 feet from the Northeast corner of the Northwest quarter of the Northeast quarter of said Section 5 (said point being the Southwest corner of the Tract conveyed to Joe and Betty Joan Spence, husband and wife, recorded in Volume 281 page 418 Deed Records of Lincoln County); thence North 89 deg. 10’ East 726.10 feet to the center of Olalla Creek; thence Southwesterly along the center of said Creek to a point that is South 879.60 feet and East 361.80 feet from the point of beginning: thence North 88 deg. 26’ West 400 feet more or less to the East line of the Upper Olalla Road; thence Northerly along said East line to the point of beginning, except the Willard H. Marchant Tract as recorded in Volume 259 page 77, and the Gerhard E. Schramm Tract as recorded in Volume 272 page 477, Deed Records for Lincoln County, Oregon. Excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to George Hyden, et ux by deed recorded September 11, ·1986, in Microfilm Book 174, page 1365, Lincoln County Records. ALSO excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to Stacy S. Hyden, et ux by deed recorded January 31, 1990, in Microfilm Book 213, page 713, Lincoln County Records. ALSO excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to Gerald J. Rude, by deed recorded January 2, 1990, Book 212, page 1205 Lincoln County Records. APN: R240233 Commonly known as: 376 Olalla Road, Toledo, OR 97391 The undersigned hereby certifies that based upon business records there are no known written assignments of the trust deed by the trustee or by the beneficiary and no appointments of a successor trustee have been made, except as recorded in the records of the county or counties in which the above described real property is situated. Further, no action has been instituted to recover the debt, or any part thereof, now remaining secured by the trust deed, or, if such action has been instituted, such action has been dismissed except as permitted by ORS 86.752(7). Both the beneficiary and the trustee have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. There is a default by grantor or other person owing an obligation, performance of which is secured by the trust deed, or by the successor in interest, with respect to provisions therein which authorize sale in the event of such provision. The default for which foreclosure is made is grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sum: TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE: $16,607.79 TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF: $187,055.69 Because of interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day-to-day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. It will be necessary for you to contact the Trustee before the time you tender reinstatement or the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you will be required to pay. By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the trust deed immediately due and payable, those sums being the following, to- wit: 1. The installments of principal and interest which became due on October 1, 2024, and all subsequent installments of principal and interest through the date of this Notice, plus amounts that are due for late charges, delinquent property taxes, insurance premiums, advances made on senior liens, taxes and/or insurance, trustee’s fees, and any attorney fees and court costs arising from or associated with the beneficiaries efforts to protect and preserve its security, all of which must be paid as a condition of reinstatement, including all sums that shall accrue through reinstatement or pay-off. Nothing in this notice shall be construed as a waiver of any fees

owing to the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust pursuant to the terms of the loan documents. Whereof, notice hereby is given that Affinia Default Services, LLC, the undersigned trustee

State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for

the interest in the said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the

deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, trustee’s and attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. For Sale Information, contact Xome at (800) 758-8052 or www.xome.com. In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by Affinia Default Services, LLC. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further

action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. NOTICE TO TENANTS: TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY HAVE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AFFORDED TO THEM UNDER ORS 86.782 AND POSSIBLY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE OF SALE, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN, IS A NOTICE TO TENANTS THAT SETS FORTH SOME OF THE PROTECTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO A TENANT OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY AND WHICH SETS FORTH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BY ANY TENANT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE AFFORDED PROTECTION, AS REQUIRED UNDER ORS 86.771. Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Affinia Default Services, LLC may be deemed to be a debt collector and any information obtained may be used for that purpose. File No.: 25-00685OR Dated:

COUNTY LEADER 08/06/2025, 08/13/2025, 08/20/2025, 08/27/2025 LCL25-0355 LAND USE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Siletz Fire District has submitted a partition application to cleave a portion of city owned property for eventual transfer of title and ownership to the Fire District Map & Tax Lot 10-1009-BA-2100. The subject property is located at 149 W Buford Avenue in downtown Siletz. Partitions are listed in the Subdivision Section of the Municipal Code (Chapter 16.10 & 16.12). The application file is available for public review until August 18, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled with the City Council on August 25, 2025. Applicable Siletz Municipal Code criteria include Chapter 16 Subdivision Code, and Chapter 17.45 Type III Quasi Judicial Procedures. All evidence to be relied upon to make a decision on this application is in the public record and available for review at the City of Siletz, 215 W Buford Ave, Siletz, at no cost. Copies can be made at a reasonable cost. HOW TO PARTICIPATE: All interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Siletz City Hall, PO Box 318, Siletz, OR 97380 by August 18, 2025.

Algae bloom subsides at Devils Lake

WILL LOHRE Lincoln County Leader

After an algae bloom bogged down summer activities at Devils Lake in June and July, water conditions have cleared up, and folks can return to recreational activities on the water.

Devils Lake Water

Improvement District (DLWID)

Manager Boone Marker received word from Oregon DEQ that the lake is in good condition on July 21. DEQ lifted the precautionary advisory for the algae bloom that had been in effect since early June.

“The lake looks much better than it did prior to the 4th of July,” Marker said.

Despite the OK from DEQ, Marker advised that people looking to get in the water should still exercise caution before diving in.

Some species of cyanobacteria (known as harmful or bluegreen algae) can produce cyanotoxins that can make people, pets, and other animals sick. According to an advisory from the district, people should: Be aware of water conditions. When in doubt, stay out.

Avoid water that is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, bright pea-green, blue-green or where brownish red mats can be seen.

Avoid activities that cause water to be swallowed.

Children and pets are at greatest risk: Keep them away from suspicious-looking water and scummy algae mats.

While Marker said the lake is “generally healthy,” he did note

that each summer presents a new set of challenges, including “algae blooms, drought, and excess vegetation.”

“In 2023, the district was dealing with an expansive elodea growth by mechanical harvesting and added 5 000 grass carp. These weeds created problems for boats and recreation,”

Marker said. “In 2024, there was no elodea in the lake and had very little issue. In 2025 still no problem weeds, but we did have an early-season algae bloom that has since died off.”

As the summer winds down, Marker said his priorities will be to continue to monitor lake quality and hope the lake stays in “great shape for

recreational users.” The district is also working on a permit for dredging to remove excess sand near the D-River. The district has contracted with LEI Engineering and Campbell Environmental to facilitate the planning and permit execution for this project. The district plans to put the job out for bid in early spring 2026

Another point of interest at Devils Lake has been the potential sale of the Blue Heron Landing property at the North end of Devils Lake in Lincoln City. The property features approximately 194+ feet of lake frontage and .45 of an acre of land, according to the listing on dennisregen.

realestatelincolncity.com. The price is listed at $ 1,200,000, but there have been no offers as of July 21, Marker said.

With a couple more months of good weather ahead, there’s still time to get out and enjoy the lake, but Marker did emphasize that people should still look for updates to make sure their lake day is fun and safe.

“Now that the lake is in better healthy and the algae bloom has died off, I would encourage people to check our website, DLWID.org, and to use caution and avoid water that is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, bright pea-green, blue-green, or where brownish red mats can be seen,” Marker said.

BACKGROUND

While Devils Lake is not an active water source for Lincoln County, DLWID serves and manages the lake.

Among its many functions, DLWID states that its mission is to “improve and maintain the water quality of Devils Lake; improve the environment for fish, wildlife, humans; increase recreational opportunities, improve and maintain safe and efficient navigation; increase public access to Devils Lake; improve the economy of North Lincoln County through the restoration and maintenance of Devils Lake; and increase public awareness and public education of Devils Lake.”

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating selected visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks.

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks Including South Beach Stare Park in Newport, Beverly Beach near Depoe Bay, Oswald West State Park in Cannon Beach, and Sunset Bay in Coos Bay. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 outof-state visitors.

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag fro camping at an Oregon State

Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.

The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation. Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1 2026: Overnight rates at OPRD’s 29 busiest parks, including Devils Lake Recreation Area in Lincoln City and Cape Look Out in Tillamook County, will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase

will apply year-round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV)

AT ALL PARKS:

Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year-round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/ yurts)

Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20

Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.

The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These

targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.

“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” OPRD Director Lisa Sumption said.

State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35%

comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes., according to a release from OPRD. For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50 You can buy them online. Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The survey includes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options. For more information, visit the Oregon State Parks and recreation website or call 800-551-6949

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will be proposing several changes to next year’s Sport Fishing Regulations.

The Commission will adopt 2026 regulations at their Sept. 12 meeting in Ontario.

Major staff proposals for changes include:

Allowing spearfishing for bass and walleye in more rivers and streams: Spearfishing is a popular alternative fishing method and the public has been requesting expanded opportunity. The change could also potentially help reduce impacts of bass and walleye on native fish.

Clarifying bag limits for kokanee: Currently, kokanee are considered trout and counted as part of the trout bag limit which can be confusing. The new bag limit would be a standard 10 kokanee per day (in addition to trout limits), no size limit, open

all year, unless noted under Exceptions. Making the coho seasons in the upper Willamette Basin permanent: There have been large coho runs above Willamette Falls the last few years, allowing for fishing seasons to be adopted under

temporary rule. Moving forward, coho fishing would be open in the mainstem and some tributaries under permanent regulations with season dates (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) to protect spring Chinook and winter steelhead. For a full list of proposed

changes by zone, visit https://myodfw.com/articles/2026-2027-draft-sportfishing-regulation-proposals Anglers and others interested have several options to provide comments or feedback: Send an email to odfw.

sportfishingregulations@odfw. oregon.gov These comments will be shared with the Fish and Wildlife Commission in advance of their decision. Sign up to testify in person or remotely at the Sept. 12 Commission meeting. A sign up link will be available approximately two weeks prior to the meeting on the Commission web page, and you must register no later than 48 hours in advance of the meeting (by Sept. 10 at 8 a.m.)

Under a new policy meant to streamline regulations, ODFW solicits input for changes to fishing regulations every other year. The 2027 Sport Fishing Regulations should be similar to whatever is adopted for 2026. However, ODFW takes suggestions throughout the year. Anglers and others should contact their local district fish biologist to discuss or propose regulation changes.